November 2022
12536829-DL08-22
Turning sour sweet
New era at The Grove PAGE 6
PAGE 5
A rain cropper “Too much of a good thing“ has robbed Queensland of a record winter grain crop this year, according to the latest Rabobank forecast. In its newly-released 2022/23 Australian winter crop report, the agribusiness bank says excessive rain throughout the state has resulted in many regions harvesting 90 per cent of planted crop hectares, with some further south harvesting only 80 to 85pc. With a forecast total crop harvest of 2.6 million tonnes, Queensland’s production will fall six per cent from last year. “Excessive rain leading into harvest followed significant issues at planting where
Jobs on way A state-of the art agricultural manufacturing facility is set to create good jobs in the Western Downs region thanks to funding under the Queensland Government’s Rural Economic Development (RED) grant scheme. Morrissey & Co is a family-owned and run business, which manufactures cattle handling equipment. The business has secured a RED grant to help fund the expansion of its operations and commission new, innovative equipment. Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner says this expansion will undoubtedly create more good jobs. STORY PAGE 8
some farmers replanted up to three times or had to abandon hectares all together,” report author, RaboResearch agricultural analyst Dennis Voznesenski said. “Across ... southern Queensland, we expect to see considerably less hectares harvested than were planted due to excessive rains either at planting, during the growing season or leading right into harvest. “And the challenge of a wet harvest will be compounded by labour shortages, with an estimated 30pc of farms in Queensland and 27pc in NSW having to change harvest strategies as a result of insufficient labour.” STORY PAGE 3
Cotton tops Jessica Strauch from Goondiwindi is the ADAMA Chris Lehmann Trust Young Cotton Achiever of the Year. Jessica currently manages the northern NSW region, as well as cotton pricing for Queensland Cotton and is also part of the industry’s premier entry-level initiative, the Australian Future Cotton Leaders’ Program. She said she was “beyond humbled” to receive recognition. “It is still so surreal to be recognised for something you love doing,” Jessica said. PAGE 4 and WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE, PAGES 22-25
Sweet 16th On her 16th attempt Central Queensland campdraft competitor Louise Comiskey claimed victory in the esteemed Condamine Bell. STORY PAGE 32
Winner of the Joyce Campbell Memorial Ladies’ campdraft Louise Comiskey and Zaharah. Picture: SUE WALDRON PHOTOS
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